AFLW popularity pushes suburban grounds to capacity

A SURGE in the popularity of female footy is pushing the use of grounds to capacity as females inspired by AFLW rush to get their kicks.

Michaela Young, Zoe Mitchell and Laura Beattie, playing for Hastings, are three of the many looking to get in on suburban footy this year. Picture: Alex Coppel

SUBURBAN football matches may soon be played midweek due to a shortage of grounds.

AFL Victoria has floated the radical idea to cope with a surge in demand created by the explosion of women’s football.

The games would be played at night under lights in a departure from the traditional Saturday and Sunday fixtures.

AFL Victoria chief operating officer Rick Bell said more grounds may have to be built throughout the state to meet demand sparked by the popularity of AFLW.

“If the growth continues, then we may have to even think, does footy need to move outside its traditional timeslot?’’ he said. “So instead of Saturdays, you might play matches during the week at night.’’

The game’s governing body had originally expected about 100 new girls’ and women’s teams to be created following the popularity of the inaugural AFLW season.

Officer and Hastings in action at the Officer Recreation Reserve, one of the many venues hosting women’s football this season. Picture: Alex Coppel.

But that estimate has been smashed, with clubs once the exclusive domain of males inundated with about 250 new girls’ and women’s teams this year.

“I think it’s been growing consistently for a number of years but the spike this year after the AFLW has been prominent,’’ he said.

AFL Victoria has even begun asking schools to share their ovals in a bid to cope. The Andrews government has been asked to help fund the installation of more match lighting throughout the state, and many clubs have begun resurfacing grounds to withstand heavier use.

Sport Minister John Eren said there was a $100 million local sports fund that went towards updating facilities, including lights.

“In the coming weeks we’ll be getting Victoria’s local councils together at the MCG to discuss opportunities to invest in women’s sport,” he said.

The victorious Hastings women’s team, part of a suburban footy revolution. Picture: Alex Coppel.

But Mr Bell said there was still hardly enough grounds to keep up with demand.

“Grounds that were previously at capacity for footy clubs are now certainly feeling the pinch,’’ he said.

“Our leagues and clubs are thinking of different ways to cope with that, opening up different playing times, and more games are being lit.’’

Geelong and District Football League boss Neville Whitley said female and junior footy was exploding statewide and it was foreseeable that night matches and midweek matches would be played. He also agreed school ovals would be needed to cater for growing numbers

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